Evaluation of thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid functions in family mediterranean fever patients

Evaluation of thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid functions in family mediterranean fever patients INTRODUCTION: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by attacks of serositis, often accompanied by fever, involving the peritoneum, pleura, synovium and the pericardium. The aim of our study was to elucidate the possible relationship between thyroid auto-immunity and the disease by evaluating thyroid function tests and thyroid auto-antibodies in patients with FMF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 60 patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of FMF according to Tel Hashomer diagnostic criteria in Sakarya University Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation and Rheumatology outpatient clinics were included retrospectively. Sixty individuals without any chronic disease that may affect thyroid function were selected as a control group. Thyroid stimulating hormone, fT3, fT4, thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and thyroglobulin antibody levels were compared between patient and control groups. Thyroid ultrasonography results of the patient and control groups, if performed, were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age was 39.6 ± 12.3 years in the patients and 37.4 ± 13.7 years in the control group (p>0.05). The female/male ratio was 1.8/1 in the FMF group and 1.7/1 in the control group (p>0.05). According to the thyroid USG results, thyroiditis and nodules were detected in 26.7% and 18.3% of the FMF group, respectively. These rates were 7.1% and 3.6% in the control group, respectively (p=0.034). fT3 (p=0.003) and fT4 (p=0.007) levels were different between FMF and control group. Anti-TPO (p<0.001) and anti-thyroglobulin (p<0.001) levels were higher in FMF cases than in the control group. Thyroid autoimmunity was more common in FMF patients than controls (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: FMF affects thyroid function tests and is associated with thyroid autoimmunity. Screening patients with FMF for thyroid autoimmunity may provide early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases. Keywords: Familial mediterranean fever, thyroid autoimmunity, thyroid function